What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commercialization & Account Specialist position at Performance Pet Products?
Farmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Please visit our website at fuillc.com to learn more!
Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/performance-pet-products/.
Performance Pet Products is opening a new position to serve as a bridge between Sales, R&D, Operations, and the customer, owning the flow from product development through commercialization and launch. They manage the commercialization workflow and R&D hopper, keep customers aligned on orders and forecasts, and drive follow-up across teams so projects keep moving and Sales can focus on winning and growing business. We offer a competitive salary, and a complete benefits package includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more!
Schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Additional hours and travel may be necessary to support customers and product launches
Areas of Accountability
All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork
Commercialization & Launch Coordination Account Support Cross-Functional Follow-Through
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Own and maintain new product development and commercialization workflow forms, checklists, timelines, and status updates
Manage the R&D Hopper with Sales and R&D; identify projects approaching commercialization and ensure clear handoffs, owners, and next steps
Serve as the primary coordination point between Sales, R&D, QA, Procurement, Operations, Planning, and customers as products move toward launch
Drive follow-up on commercialization requirements including customer approvals, packaging and artwork, pricing, documentation, trials, ERP setup, and launch readiness
Follow up with customer accounts on order status, upcoming needs, forecasts, launch timing, and open action items
Communicate customer forecasts and demand changes to Sales and plant planning teams to support production and material planning
Support Sales with account administration, customer communication, project follow-through, and preparation needed to achieve account and commission goals
Maintain accurate customer, product, launch, and account information in applicable systems and shared files
Identify delays, missing information, and unclear ownership early; coordinate resolution with the appropriate team member
Support new product trials, first production runs, customer launches, and post-launch follow-up as needed
Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance
Travel as needed to support customers, launches, and business needs
Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred
3 years experience in project management, account support, customer service, commercialization, manufacturing, or product development preferred
Strong organization and follow-through with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills with customers and cross-functional teams
Ability to identify gaps, clarify ownership, and keep projects moving without creating unnecessary complexity
Proficient with Microsoft Office; ERP or project tracking system experience preferred
Physical Requirements
Perform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workday
Repetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers
Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/performance-pet-products/.
Performance Pet Products is opening a new position to serve as a bridge between Sales, R&D, Operations, and the customer, owning the flow from product development through commercialization and launch. They manage the commercialization workflow and R&D hopper, keep customers aligned on orders and forecasts, and drive follow-up across teams so projects keep moving and Sales can focus on winning and growing business. We offer a competitive salary, and a complete benefits package includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more!
Schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Additional hours and travel may be necessary to support customers and product launches
Areas of Accountability
All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork
Commercialization & Launch Coordination Account Support Cross-Functional Follow-Through
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Own and maintain new product development and commercialization workflow forms, checklists, timelines, and status updates
Manage the R&D Hopper with Sales and R&D; identify projects approaching commercialization and ensure clear handoffs, owners, and next steps
Serve as the primary coordination point between Sales, R&D, QA, Procurement, Operations, Planning, and customers as products move toward launch
Drive follow-up on commercialization requirements including customer approvals, packaging and artwork, pricing, documentation, trials, ERP setup, and launch readiness
Follow up with customer accounts on order status, upcoming needs, forecasts, launch timing, and open action items
Communicate customer forecasts and demand changes to Sales and plant planning teams to support production and material planning
Support Sales with account administration, customer communication, project follow-through, and preparation needed to achieve account and commission goals
Maintain accurate customer, product, launch, and account information in applicable systems and shared files
Identify delays, missing information, and unclear ownership early; coordinate resolution with the appropriate team member
Support new product trials, first production runs, customer launches, and post-launch follow-up as needed
Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance
Travel as needed to support customers, launches, and business needs
Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred
3 years experience in project management, account support, customer service, commercialization, manufacturing, or product development preferred
Strong organization and follow-through with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills with customers and cross-functional teams
Ability to identify gaps, clarify ownership, and keep projects moving without creating unnecessary complexity
Proficient with Microsoft Office; ERP or project tracking system experience preferred
Physical Requirements
Perform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workday
Repetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers